Assessing the Efficacy of Very Early Motor Rehabilitation in Children with Down Syndrome

Influencing Factors on Independent Walking in Children With Lumbosacral Lipomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on a 5-Year Untethering Series

Background

Caregivers are deeply concerned about children achieving independent walking, and evidence-based rehabilitation support is beneficial. However, current research is confined to a single study on spina bifida aperta, leaving a gap in understanding the timing of independent walking for lumbosacral lipomas.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing independent walking in children with lumbosacral lipomas.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 124 children who underwent untethering surgery for lumbosacral lipomas. The age (in months) at which the children walked independently was used as the primary endpoint, and potential influencing factors, including the type of spinal lipoma, extent of lipoma removal, magnetic resonance imaging features, congenital anomaly complications, urinary/defecation management requirements, foot/toe symptoms, and orthotic device fabrications were analyzed.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the most significant influencing factor for delayed independent walking was the presence of systemic combined anomalies (adjusted odds ratio = 15.5, P < .001), while non-systemic malformations, such as suburethral cleft, had limited effects. A subgroup analysis of 94 patients without systemic combined anomalies showed that the presence of a malformed conus medullaris was significantly associated with delayed independent walking (P = .014). The median age of independent walking in children with Morota's classification type 2 was 14 months, which is 1 month later compared to other types, although this difference was not significant (P = .055).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that complications arising from systemic combined anomalies and the presence of malformed conus medullaris are influencing factors in delays in independent walking in children with untethered lumbosacral lipomas.

Physiotherapeutic stimulation in infants with Down syndrome to promote crawling

Abstract Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder characterized mainly by ligament laxity and hypotonia. Infants with this syndrome have substantial motor retardation also with crawling. To reach this motor milestone, postural control and head and neck control in the prone position are necessary. Seeking to avoid atypical muscular synergies and facilitate the execution of functional activities, the Bobath Concept aims to stimulate weight transfers, promoting motor acquisitions in the prone, supine, sitting and standing positions. Objective: To evaluate and compare crawling before and after the intervention through the Bobath Concept method in infants with DS. Method: A longitudinal, prospective, evaluative and interventional study was carried out. The sample was composed of 4 infants with DS, aged 7 to 24 months. There were three stages of treatment: evaluation in accordance with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS); short term intervention by the Bobath Concept; and re-evaluation using the same scale. Results: According to statistical analysis, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-treatment (t -3.1705, p=0.0504). However, the results obtained by evaluation and reevaluation, showed progress in infants’ activity, the greatest progress being in the prone position. Infant 4 had the most satisfactory result, in percentage, as much as in the prone position (evolving 9.5%), as in general (evolving 22.4%). Conclusion: Infants submitted to intervention with the Bobath Concept obtained evolution in motor development, when comparing before and after therapy.